A report published in 2006 in the "International Journal of Obesity" shows a correlation between low birth rate and an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Prenatal malnutrition occurs when the growing fetus does not receive adequate amounts of essential nutrients necessary for normal growth. Diabetes is a result of insufficient insulin production or the cells' inability to respond to insulin. Without insulin, the body is unable to properly use glucose for energy.
Studies
Many nutritional studies are based on the Dutch famine. This period of extreme food shortage west of the Netherlands occurred during the last six months of World War II. A study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in December 2008 found those exposed to early gestational malnutrition had changes in lipid profile and an increased amount of abdominal adipose tissue compared to those not exposed to the famine. The American Diabetes Association published another Dutch famine study in August 2006 that found exposure to prenatal malnutrition was related to impaired glucose intolerance.
Thrifty Phenotype
Researchers have hypothesized that fetal malnutrition leads to the development of a thrifty phenotype which will continue throughout life. The phenotype spares energy and nutrients available in utero for brain and major organ development. This phenotype predisposes the development of obesity and the risk factors associated with it, including diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome has been hypothesized as a condition related to prenatal malnutrition. Studies conducted with pregnant rats have shown that the offspring of rats deprived of protein and carbohydrates had alterations of glucose metabolism. People with metabolic syndrome are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Dominant risk factors include abdominal obesity and insulin resistance; when the body can't use insulin efficiently.
Prevention
Malnutrition is not synonymous with hunger. If you are pregnant and eat food with little nutritional value, you can subject your unborn child to malnutrition. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in proteins, whole-grain carbohydrates and essential fats will provide optimal gestational nutrition. Avoiding toxins such as nicotine and alcohol is also beneficial to ensure prenatal nutrition is of the highest quality. If you are pregnant, it is important to discuss proper nutrition and the risk factors associated with malnutrition with your physician.
References
- "International Journal of Obesity": Adiposity in chidren born small for gestational age; L Tappy; 2006
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics Type 2
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine is associated with a preference for fatty foods and a more atherogenic lipid profile; Federico Lussana, et al.; December 2008
- American Diabetes Association: Impaired Insulin Secretion After Prenatal Exposure to the Dutch Famine; Susanne R. de Rooij, et al.; Ausgust 2006
- American Heart Association: What is the Metabolic Syndrome?
